Renault Fluence with a difference

Do you like the Renault Fluence but want something that is not the same as what everyone else buys? Then you should like the Formula Edition of the model which is available from TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault cars in Malaysia.

Featuring enhanced aesthetics to the exterior as well as interior, this limited edition Fluence is offered in conjunction with Renault’s return to Formula One this year as a full works team and in the lead-up to the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix on October 2.

Exclusive features are a 5-piece bodykit, customised blue and red coloured decals, a muffler cutter and two-tone black alloy wheels instead of the two-tone silver ones that come on the standard version. Inside, the spacious cabin has exclusive gloss black trim as well as leather-upholstered seats in rich maroon instead of black.

Standard equipment and fittings include a Renault R-LINK multimedia system with 7-inch touchscreen display and in-built navigation, automatic climate control with rear air vents, cruise control with speed limiter (to ensure you don’t accidentally go over the speed limit) and automatic door-locking when the car’s speed is over 10 km/h.

The Fluence Formula Edition is powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that is mated to a X-Tronic CVT. The fuel-efficient engine has a maximum output of 143 ps/195 Nm.

Standard equipment and fittings include a Renault R-LINK multimedia system with 7-inch touchscreen display and in-built navigation, automatic climate control with rear air vents, cruise control with speed limiter (to ensure you don’t accidentally go over the speed limit) and automatic door-locking when the car’s speed is over 10 km/h.

As would be expected of a European brand, safety standards are high and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with ASR (traction control) are standard along with 6 airbags. Parents with small children will be happy to find ISOFIX points which allow easy and secure installation of compatible childseats in the rear.

The boot space is 530 litres – one of the biggest in its class – and this can be expanded when the rear backrests (60:40) are folded down. So if you happen to buy something extra-long at IKEA, you could probably still take it home in your Fluence instead of paying the store to send it for you.

The Fluence Formula Edition is priced at RM126,688 (without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia) which is about RM6,000 more than the most expensive Fluence variant assembled locally. Two colour options are available – Black Metallic or White Pearl.

Every Fluence Formula Edition buyer will enjoy a full 5 years of warranty coverage as there is no limit on mileage covered. TCEC stresses that this warranty is fully backed by Renault and the terms and conditions as well as parts covered are consistent from the first year of ownership to the end of the warranty period.

Customers will also enjoy cost-savings with the ‘5inFluence’ package which provides free scheduled maintenance for the first 5 years (or maximum of 100,000 kms), a 12-month warranty for any genuine parts purchased and installed, complimentary pick-up service for every scheduled servicing and a 48-hour Mobility Solution which provides a courtesy car when a customer’s Fluence has to be retained in the service centre.

Chips Yap has been reporting on the motor industry for 40 years, covering a broad spectrum of topics from industry developments to new product evaluations. He specialised as a motoring journalist and started three motor magazines in Malaysia, as well as served in various roles for other publications and websites.